Iran warns of retaliation against Canada's move to cut ties

Tehran
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Calling the Canadian government "racist," Iran's parliamentary leader says there could be an "immediate, decisive" response to Canada's decision to sever diplomatic ties.

Digital Journal reported yesterday that Canada is closing it's embassy in Tehran, bringing its diplomats home and declaring Iran to be a state sponsor of terrorism.

In response, Gulf News reports that Iran is warning there could be a price to pay. It quotes Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast saying, “The hostile behaviour of the current racist government in Canada in reality, follows the policies dictated by the Zionists [Israel] and the British.”

The Jerusalem Post says the head of Iran's parliamentary committee on national security and foreign policy, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, is quoted by the Fars news agency as saying there could be an "immediate and decisive" response to Canada's action. "It is essential that the foreign ministry respond to this action by Canada on the basis of national interests."

Digital Journal reported that Canada's diplomats in Iran had already left Tehran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Canada's decision, saying, "I congratulate Canada's Prime Minister (Stephen) Harper for showing leadership and making a bold move that sends a clear message to Iran and the world. The determination shown by Canada is of great importance in order for the Iranians to understand that they cannot go on with their race toward nuclear arms."